The final round of Group E and Group F matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered drama as Ecuador stunned Germany with a 2-1 comeback victory, while Japan secured qualification for the knockout stage after a 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Germany took the lead through Leroy Sané, but Ecuador fought back with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to claim a memorable win. Despite the defeat, Germany progressed to the Round of 32, while Ecuador also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

In the other Group E fixture, Côte d’Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0 courtesy of a Nicolas Pépé brace to finish top of the group with seven points. Germany placed second on six points, while Ecuador secured qualification with four.

In Group F, Japan and Sweden shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead early in the second half before Anthony Elanga equalised for Sweden. The result was enough for Japan to finish second and book a place in the knockout stage, while Sweden also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia to finish top of Group F and progress comfortably to the Round of 32.